6 competitive matches to watch in the 2024-25 women’s basketball season

As the start of the 2024-2025 women’s college basketball season approaches, here are six rivalry games from this regular season you won’t want to miss.

Tennessee vs. UConn

This rivalry, featuring legendary coaches Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma, defined women’s college basketball in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They have faced each other in many national championship games and have the most championships in women’s college basketball. UConn leads the series 16-9, but many games have been closely contested, showing the talent and intensity of both programs. UConn and Tennessee will face each other this season on February 6, 2025.

Notre Dame vs. UConn

This rivalry began to gain traction in the 2010s, with several memorable matchups including the 2013 championship game in which Notre Dame defeated UConn 79-58. The Huskies and Fighting Irish have met multiple times in the NCAA tournament, often in high-stakes situations, fueling the competitive fire. UConn is the all-time leader, but Notre Dame’s success in critical games adds curiosity and excitement. We will taste this historical war on December 12, 2024.

LSU vs. South Carolina

South Carolina and LSU are two emerging powerhouses. Both programs stood out in the SEC with fierce competition that showcased superior talent. Over the last three years, South Carolina won in 2022 and 2024, while LSU raised the status and profile of the rivalry by winning its first national title in 2023. The intensity of their play often leads to exciting finishes and captures the fans’ attention. The showdown between the last two national champions will take place on January 23, 2025.

UCLA and USC

The Battle of Los Angeles is always showtime basketball. Last year alone, every matchup was decided by single digits and both teams met in the last Pac-12 championship. Their battles have always featured standout players and intense moments, attracting large crowds… and even stars from all over the City of Angels. The first match between the two teams will take place on February 13, 2025.

Iowa – Iowa State

The Cy-Hawk Series represents one of the premier rivalries in Iowa, bringing together two great programs in a fierce rivalry that fuels state pride and fan participation. This rivalry has a long-standing history in both men’s and women’s sports, creating a sense of tradition that enriches the collegiate experience for athletes and fans alike. This intrastate clash is scheduled for December 11, 2024.

Texas vs Oklahoma

The Red River Rivalry is a classic element of women’s college basketball. When these two face off, always expect to see a closely contested matchup. But this year and beyond, this matchup will take a new twist as the Texas and Oklahoma conferences move, making the 12 major foes become SEC rivals. Despite this realignment, the intensity of this historic war will always remain the same. The first of this Big 12 SEC matchup will be held on January 2, 2025.